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DC Daily: President Trump addreses joint session of Congress

Posted at 9:03 AM, Feb 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-28 22:23:40-05

Tuesday is a big day for President Donald Trump, as he will be delivering a speech before a joint session of Congress.

What's happening today:

President Trump strikes softer tone in Congressional address

-- President Trump delivered his address to Congress, striking a softer tone than recent speeches have shown.

The president touched on an array of topics, from threats across the nation on Jewish Community Centers and immigration, to ISIS and the military and job creation.

Watch the president's entire speech here:

 

Trump to consider bill allowing many immigrants to stay

-- According to a senior administration official, President Trump is considering an immigration reform bill that could grant legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., CNN reports.

The bill may not grant a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, but allow those without a serious or violent criminal history to live, work, and pay taxes in the U.S. without fear of deportation. 

Pres. Trump will reportedly consider adding the topic to his Congressional address Tuesday night.

President to deliver joint address to Congress
-- In what is essentially a "State of the Union"-type address, President Trump will speak before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night (6 p.m. Pacific time). He is expected to outline his plans for tax cuts, an overhaul of the health care system, a solution regarding border security and economy goals.

At a private dinner Monday for a small group of reporters that included three reporters from The E.W. Scripps Company, Trump hinted there will be some controversial statements in Tuesday's address.

Trump blames Obama for anti-GOP protests
-- In a Fox News "Fox & Friends" interview that aired Tuesday, President Trump said he believes former President Barack Obama is behind protests against Republican lawmakers across the country.

Responding to a question about the protests, Trump said, "I think that President Obama is behind it, because his people are certainly behind it."

He added that he thinks Obama loyalists are also behind White House leaks.

Trump conceded, "I also understand that's politics. And in terms of him being behind things, that's politics. And it will probably continue."

He said he's not surprised, saying "I'm changing things that (Obama) wanted to do." Trump said he's tougher than Obama in terms of his efforts to deport anyone living in the country illegally.

Trump refers to North Korea as "world menace"
-- At the dinner, the president addressed North Korea, saying: "North Korea is a world menace, it is a world problem." He added that the country has to be dealt with and "has to be dealt with soon."

North Korea tested Trump's resolve early in his presidency by reportedly firing a ballistic missile a few weeks ago. The incident happened while Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Wilbur Ross confirmed as next Secretary of Commerce
-- Billionaire Wilbur Ross, President Trump's Commerce Secretary nominee, was confirmed by a Senate vote Monday night. "(Ross) is a great talent," Trump said. "He knows all the industries. Wilbur doesn't need any advice from anybody. He'll take the advice, but he doesn't need it."

Ross is expected to be a powerful figure in the Trump administration, leading the way on efforts to renegotiate NAFTA, the controversial trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. The 79-year-old will also be a key voice on other trade matters as well as on Trump's efforts to accelerate economic growth by slashing taxes and ramping up infrastructure spending.

Trump's budget proposal includes $54 billion for military spending
-- The president's proposed budget plan includes a $54 billion increase in defense spending, the White House confirmed Monday. The approximately 10 percent increase for the Pentagon would fulfill a Trump campaign promise to build up the military.